By Nana Radebe-Kgiba
Deputy Chief: Public Information and Liaison Services
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is currently on scene
responding to yet another fire incident at Plastic View Informal Settlement in Tshwane.
Emergency Services received the call through the Emergency Call Centre just after 7pm this evening, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched to the scene to contain and extinguish the fire.
On arrival, firefighters found the squatter camp engulfed in flames and preliminary reports indicate that more than 100 shacks have been affected by the blaze.
Firefighting operations were further challenged by limited access routes within the squatter camp, making it difficult for fire engines to reach certain sections where the fire was spreading.
Despite these challenges, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
At this stage, no injuries, casualties or fatalities have been reported.
However, residents are unable to confirm whether there are any persons missing, as many community members were attempting to save their belongings and evacuate during
the incident.
Search and mop-up operations will continue to ensure that all residents are accounted for.
This incident follows another devastating fire that occurred at the same informal
settlement during the early hours of Sunday morning, where 59 households were
affected.
Informal settlement fires spread rapidly due to the highly combustible materials often used in the construction of shacks.
The absence of electricity and of unsafe use of candles, imbawula and paraffin or gas stoves left unattended, becomes a major
contributor to the increase of fires in informal settlements.
Preliminary investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of fire once firefighting and overhaul operations have been completed.
Disaster Risk Management will conduct assessments to determine the extent of the
damage and provide the necessary assistance to affected families.
Emergency Services Department would like to remind residents to exercise caution when using electrical appliances, open flames, candles, paraffin stoves, and heating devices, especially during the winter season when the risk of residential fires increases.
Residents are urged to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively calling 012 358 6300/6400.
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